The resolution condemns incendiary anti-Pakistan statements raised by Altaf Hussain on Aug 22 after which the ARY News office was attacked.

“The house condemns all sorts of crimes, torture, terrorism, and anti-Pakistan slogans and activities carried out by any side, and the most strict action should be taken against those responsible as per law and Article 6 of the Constitution,” a copy of the resolution states.

It added that house expresses solidarity with the parliament, armed forces, media, judiciary and all democratic institutions in Pakistan.

This is the first Sindh Assembly session since Altaf’s Aug 22 speech. The house took up three resolutions demanding trial of the MQM supremo and his supporters under Article 6 of the Constitution, which pertains to treason.

The move comes a day after the MQM’s Pakistan leadership removed Altaf’s London-based coterie from the top decision-making forum of the party as Coordination Committee convener Nadeem Nusrat asserted that Altaf was still the party’s uncontested chief.

MQM’s Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly Khawaja Izharul Hassan was emotional as he addressed the house.

After Altaf’s speech, “what options did we have?” Izhar wondered.

“Like others, we could power off our cellphones and thinking about saving our lives and leaving the country. We could have changed our party within the hour. Everything would have been resolved and the nation would appreciate our actions.”

Instead, the party’s leadership opted for a third option ─ To deliver the party from the pressure and the shame it faced after the chief’s speech.

“We took this decision without any dictation, without listening to anyone. This was the most difficult decision… But I couldn’t leave my people or let [the party] be ruined.”

We have decided to walk this difficult path so our people can find peace at the end of this ordeal, he said.

“We received a long wishlist after Aug 22. It’s been a month since then, but we still can’t get away from this wishlist,” he said, referring to demands being made of MQM party leadership to dissociate from the MQM supremo.

“Stop giving us wishlists. Either you believe in us, or you shut the party down,” Izhar said. “Workers become emotional. Sloganeering happens,” he said.

“I think we must keep an eye on those who say Pakistan zindabad and continue looting Pakistan.”